Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Family: Cactaceae​
​Common Name: Eve's pin
Origin: Austrocylindropuntia subulata is native to the Peruvian Andes, at altitudes from 2,000 and 3,500 meters above level. However, the species has been widely cultivated in Argentina, Bolivia, and other parts of South America as well. The type specimen originates from Valparaiso, Chile, likely as a cultivated plant.
Description: A. subulata is a tree-like cactus with a columnar, woody trunk that is basally branching, possessing dark-brown bark in older specimens. Stems are green, with awl-shaped leaves and woolly areoles, from which several glochids emerge. During mid-spring to mid-summer, showy flowers will develop, varied in color. These will lead to dark green or red fruits covered with fine, stinging hairs.
  • Interesting Features:
    • Blooms are varied in color, being orange, burgundy-red, orangish-red, or greenish-yellow, with white bases and yellow stigma.
    • However, it is rare for the Eve’s pin cactus to bloom in cultivation, and container plants will likely never flower.
  • Uses: The common name “Eve’s pin cactus” stems from its use in ancient Peru, where needles were created from the spines.
    • Additionally, the awl-shaped leaves of A. subulata can be consumed, and are sold in many South American and Mexican markets within the United States.
    • Although low in nutritional content, the fruit can also be eaten, or fermented to make a cactus wine.
    • Lastly, the Eve’s pin cactus is popular in xeriscape gardens, where it is be used as a living fence.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Low
    • Provide regular irrigation during the spring and summer, watering whenever soil is dry.
    • During the winter, keep as dry as possible, being careful not to water on cold, humid, or overcast days.
    • Do not keep a saucer beneath pots, as this will lead to root rot.
  • Soil: A. subulata is not very particular about soil quality, as long as substratum is well-draining.
    • However, to encourage growth, plant in a combination of loam, sand, cactus potting soil and 25-50% pumice, and a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.
  • Lighting: When first siting, the Eve’s pin cactus should be planted in the shade, and gradually introduced to sunlight.
    • Once accustomed, remove from shade and provide direct sun whenever possible, as A. subulata thrives on light.
    • ​Additionally, during the winter, cacti should be transferred to a cooler location that still receives bright lighting, to encourage growth.
  • Propagation: Propagation is possible through hardwood or softwood cuttings, root cuttings, stem division, and through seed. Stem division is the easiest method, with the pads rooting easily when planted in soil.
    • Water cuttings sparingly until roots have developed.
  • Cold Tolerance: 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b.
  • Special Accommodations: While cold nights can be tolerated occasionally, A. subulata should not be exposed to temperatures below 25°F for long periods of time, as cacti are not frost tolerant and will perish. To avoid the formation of epidermal spots, bring indoors when night-time temperatures drop under 41°F. 
    • Additionally, always wear gloves when handling, to protect from the sharp spines or stinging fruits.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Cacti
  2. World of Succulents
  3. Plant Care Today
  4. North Carolina University
  5. CABI Invasive Species Compendium
  6. Best Plants
  7. Monaco Nature Encyclopedia
  8. Dave’s Garden